After ‘Chief Hijangua’ – Namibia’s first-ever opera – caught international attention, a new intercultural endeavour is once again breaking barriers.
Titled ‘People of Song’, the new musical theatre production intends to tell the story of colonial history through an innovative story that fuses Namibian and German voices.
The project will premiere in Namibia this year before heading to Berlin, Germany, in 2026.
The Weekender caught up with German co-director and producer Kim Meyer, who says the ‘People of Song’ project is “a total work of art” that has been developed in a collaborative process between artists from the two countries.
“The project is not a replication of previous successes. It is a rethink of form, narrative and tone,” says Meyer.
‘People of Song’ was developed by a Namibian-German artist collective during 2023 and 2024.
Some of the key team members are Osmond !Owoseb, Marchell Linus, Jason Kooper, Natasha Kitavi, Victor Ardelean, Marco Heise and Meyer herself.
“Their work was created through online sessions, workshops in Windhoek and Berlin, and an in-depth journey through northern Namibia,” Meyer says.
She adds that during their music research journey in 2024, the team gathered indigenous songs, interviewed local composers and immersed themselves in cultural practices alongside communities.
“The outcome was an energetic theatrical experience employing songs in Khoekhoegowab, Rukwangali, Otjiherero, Oshiwambo and German.
“We needed to include and cite many Namibian musicians. It’s not all about original works; it’s about raising a glass for the diversity of Namibia’s musical and cultural heritage,” says Meyer.
BEYOND OPERA
With the operatic glory of ‘Chief Hijangua’ behind them, the creators of ‘People of Song’ avoided being restricted by traditional opera.
Instead, they are creating a new hybrid form that blends music, storytelling and visual art in a way that defies categorisation.
“We’re breaking away from the tradition of opera,” Meyer says.
“This time around, we may create our own form. We’re still figuring out what that’s going to be — but we know it’s going to be rooted in reality.”
Some of that authenticity is found in the incorporation of women composers and rural voices, making room for underheard stories.
REVISITING COLONIAL PAST WITHOUT BLAME
‘People of Song’ wrestles with the complicated legacy of colonialism at its centre. But the team is careful to note that this is not about blaming or re-traumatising anyone.
“We know what happened in Namibia,” Meyer says. “But we don’t want to point fingers. Instead, we want to look to the future – together.”
The team took more than years to develop a story, written primarily by Namibian artists, that avoids stereotypes and instead uses abstract, symbolic stage spaces to challenge the mind.
Schoolchildren in Windhoek and Berlin have assisted in designing the stage and costumes.
LEARNING FROM ‘CHIEF HIJANGUA’
The opera ‘Chief Hijangua’, composed by Eslon Hindundu with a libretto by Nikolaus Frei, premiered in Windhoek in 2022 and had its European premiere in Berlin in 2023.
“It was a history-making success that paved the way for ‘People of Song’. We learned a lot from that production – about communication, project management and building respectful workflows between Germany and Namibia,” Meyer adds.
BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH MUSIC
The connection between Meyer and Namibian artist !Owoseb is one of the cornerstones of this partnership. Meyer says their friendship and shared artistic vision have ignited a cross-cultural dialogue towards social transformation.
“Art enables us to have conversations that are otherwise difficult to have,” she says.
“That’s why this project is so important – not just for Namibia and Germany, but for any environment where past wounds continue to shape the present.”
They hope the Namibian premiere will generate a sense of ownership and pride among local artists and audiences.
“We want something that our Namibian crew can carry over to future projects. It has to propagate beyond this single production.”
Berlin was chosen for the European premiere not only for its artistic visibility but also due to Namibia’s historical connection with Germany, according to Meyer.
Windhoek and Berlin have been official twin cities since 25 years ago.
She says the premiere in the capital of Germany is a symbolic and strategic gesture.
The team hopes Berliners will not only experience the musical diversity of Namibia but also be involved in the fashion, design and modern identity the show offers.
“We want to create awareness in Berlin for Namibian music and artists – not historically, but as living, pulsating contributors to the world cultural scene,” Meyer stresses.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
